What's the difference?
Visit Chery’s website, click on the Omoda 5 GT and you’ll find references to its “dynamic personality”, “distinctive face” and “cinematic elegance”.
Is this a show-stopping movie star or a new, sporty compact SUV? Maybe in the context of our video review of the car it can be both?
Either way, it extends the still fresh Omoda 5 line-up from two grades to four, adding the option of all-wheel drive at the same time.
It’s aimed at premium versions of small SUV favourites like the GWM Haval Jolion, Hyundai Kona, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Subaru Crosstrek, expanding the new challenger brand’s scope in this intensely competitive segment.
So, read on to see if the Omoda 5 GT has the star quality required to enhance your urban life.
Hyundai’s Staria people mover has been updated for 2026 and while the new hybrid and coming EV versions will get most of the attention, many folks will still go for the diesel with its good fuel economy and tried-and-tested workhorse powertrain. Which is why we’re testing it.
Rivals to the Staria people mover include the segment-leading Kia Carnival for about the same price or more expensive competitors such as the Ford Tourneo, Volkswagen Caravelle and Multivan.
The GT AWD successfully adds a performance spark to the city-sized Chery Omoda 5 SUV formula. It’s sprightly and stacks up well in terms of value and practicality. It’s also space-efficient, safety’s great and the ownership package is hard to beat.
That said, despite the shift to a multi-link rear suspension, ride comfort and the steering could be better. But overall, no rotten tomatoes here. This is a worthy contender that shows how far and how quickly Chery has progressed.
The Staria diesel is easy to drive with a great ride and excellent visibility. This van is super practical for families, too, offering lots of space, cargo room and good accessibility, although the manual side doors are heavy.
Diesel would not be this testers first choice of fuel due to its noisy nature, high price and the pollution factor.
The low window line was fun only until I realised my daughter's car seat sat level with it.
The petrol, hybrid and EV versions would be a better choice for those looking for all the same features but with a quieter and cleaner powertrain.